logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2023
1h 7m

"Barbie Girl" by Aqua

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

Barbie Fever has swept TMI thanks to Greta Gerwig's upcoming film, and Jordan forces Alex to discuss the making of one of the most polarizing hits of the '90s. You'll learn all about the doll's surprisingly scandalous backstory in the German red-light district, the band Aqua’s confounding fixation on Rick Astley, and the lengthy lawsuit that resulted from the hit song, and why it won't appear in the new movie. Alex's hatred of "Barbie Girl" leads to an expansive sidebar on the history of pop music as a method of torture, while Alex ponders his revenge on Jordan for making him talk about this song in the first place. It's a wild and shockingly dark journey through the world of Europop, feminism, toy manufacturing and the War on Terror — so let's go party! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Jul 30
Sly & the Family Stone's 'There's a Riot Goin' On': Everything You Didn't Know
Jordan and Alex descend into the druggy (and groundbreaking! but also druggy) world of 'There’s A Riot Goin’ On,' a monumental testament to the power of individual creative drive (and also drugs). After literally conquering 1969 with the hat trick of Woodstock, the Harlem soul co ... Show More
2h 25m
Jul 15
'Independence Day' (1996): Everything You Didn't Know
Your two alien-slaying trivia nerds are back, and this time they’re firing up the VHS and saluting Independence Day — the film that blew up the White House, made Will Smith the King of July 4th, and gave us the only speech that rivals St. Crispin’s and “Four score.” The TMI guys ... Show More
1h 44m
Jun 23
"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones: Everything You Didn't Know
Your two men on the internet telling you useless information supposed to fire your imagination are back with their 60th anniversary deep-dive into this deathless rock anthem. After a heated Beatles vs Stones debate, the TMI guys explain how the classic riff came to Keith Richards ... Show More
2h 32m
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2023
Barbie and the plasticity of pop
This past week, the film Barbie opened nationwide to massive success – and with it came a soundtrack, executive produced by Mark Ronson. Functioning as both a companion to the movie and a stand-alone collection of hits, the album features everyone from Dua Lipa to reggaeton star ... Show More
46m 20s
Jul 2022
'Barbie Girl' by Aqua (w/ Sammy Smart & Emily Gonzalez of Too Scary; Didn't Watch)
Is this song a fun romp or barbaric atrocity? Evan enlists horror movie experts Sammy Smart and Emily Gonzales (Too Scary; Didn't Watch) to dissect and dismember this terrifying and insane dance hit. Diversions include: trademark lawsuits in which the judge gets very cheeky, hair ... Show More
1h 23m
Jul 2022
Lea Michele in 'Funny Girl,' Backstreet Boys' Christmas Album & 'Stranger Things' Chart Takeover
On the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, Katie & Keith are talking all about the wild news that life will imitate Glee, as Lea Michele takes over the role of Fannie Brice in the Broadway revival of Funny Girl. Also on the show, we're talking about Backstreet Boys announcing their v ... Show More
33m 11s
Apr 2019
Billie Eilish is a Different Kind of Pop Star (ft. FINNEAS)
On a trajectory to be one of the biggest pop stars for this generation, seventeen year old Billie Eilish is not, however, your typical pop star. Her music speaks to the real anxieties of young people without any veneer. She sings from the perspective of monsters and villains. Her ... Show More
46m 49s
Nov 2020
Toxic Tango: Britney Spears vs. Christina Aguilera
For ‘80s babies, Britney and Christina represent the ultimate fan face-off. Originally friends and co-stars on The Mickey Mouse Club reboot in the early ‘90s, by the decade’s end they were pitted against one another in the press and in the charts. On the surface, the comparisons ... Show More
54m 12s
Apr 2023
April 19 - Megan Addresses Tory Lanez, BLACKPINK Jams to Spice Girls, Ariana Grande ‘Wicked’ Casting News & More
BLACKPINK wasted no time bringing the pop straight to your dome on “Carpool Karaoke”. Loren Gray reveals her love for Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift, talks about growing up with Eminem, her My Chemical Romance tattoo, and more! Amanda Seyfried, Dove Cameron, and Reneé Rapp are just ... Show More
8m 54s
Jul 2023
Ep. 501: Horny in the City
This week we're gossin' 'bout Jackie getting to see the new Barbie movie and Holden is a Barbie Girl in a Barbie World who is NOT excited to see 3 hours of ole Oppy goofing around in the desert, did Page 7 combine their powers and manifest Scott Stapp taking to the seas with the ... Show More
1h 22m